Graeme Smith's South Africa will have two close friends and compatriots plotting their downfall when they begin a three-Test series against India in Chennai on Wednesday.

Former Proteas batsman Gary Kirsten, who opened the batting with Smith for 20 Tests before retiring in 2004, starts his two-year stint as India's chief coach battling his fellow countrymen.

India's support staff also includes another South African, Paddy Upton, who worked as physical trainer and mental conditioning expert with the Proteas till 1998 before being coaxed by Kirsten to join him in India.